MFM-BCCA’s Media Finance Focus Returns In Person

More than 100 media industry leaders will present 80-plus sessions, including timely keynote addresses, and wide-ranging panel discussions and interactive roundtables during Media Financial Management Association (MFM)’s 62^nd Annual Conference, taking place May 23-25 in Tampa, Fla. With its theme of “Blue Skies Ahead,” the event will address the myriad issues facing professionals across all financial disciplines of every media sector as they guide their companies on critical matters ranging from strategic direction to revenue achievement to long-term corporate vision.

“MFM is back full steam ahead with a rich, purposeful, and forward-looking agenda designed to inform and help guide media financial leaders as their roles within their companies become more integral to corporate success,” said Joseph Annotti, MFM-BCCA president and CEO. “Thanks to scores of industry leaders offering their insights, and to our conference co-chairs Dave Bestler of Hubbard Radio and Lori Locke of Discovery, who have crafted an exceptional program, this year’s conference will engage, enlighten, and empower attendees as never before.”

Complementing an extensive roster of sessions will be the conference exhibit hall showcasing new products and services. In addition, networking breaks incorporated throughout the conference will give attendees opportunities to reconnect and refresh personal connections, and to share ideas.

Other informal events include an opening night reception in the exhibit hall followed by an opening night off-site party; and a happy hour, awards ceremony, and BMI-sponsored entertainment (from breakout country singer Laci Kaye Booth) May 24, followed by an open evening for participants to explore Tampa on their own.

Session Highlights

The conference carries on its tradition of providing relevant, robust intelligence on a wide swath of topics for which media professionals need to stay abreast, including the latest information on accounting, taxes, internal audit, technology, newspaper, out-of-home, outdoor, television, radio, cable, digital, games-video, print, and credit and collection; as well as newer topics such as cryptocurrency, environmental, social and governance (ESG), esports and NFTs. As is tradition, the conference is designed to appeal to every industry sector (TV, radio, print, internet, video, and gaming) and every type of financial discipline, including CFO, accountant, auditor, business and credit manager and others.

Keynotes

The opening general session, taking place the morning of May 23, features Jeff Loucks, executive director of Deloitte’s Center for Technology, Media, & Telecommunications, Deloitte Services. Loucks will take a hard look at why media and entertainment’s relationships with consumers have changed, sharing what Deloitte learned in its latest Digital Media Trends Survey that informs new ways for media companies to drive loyalty and growth.

The first keynote session of May 24 is headlined by macroeconomics expert Diane Swonk of Grant Thornton, who is slated to discuss topics including the current labor market; escalating interest rates and inflation; and the effects of the war in Ukraine.

Swonk will be followed by a presentation from Thomas Mucha, a journalist-turned geopolitical investment expert with Wellington Management, who will present his latest findings on the economy.

On May 25 from 8:30 to 10 a.m., attendees will be treated to a fireside chat around the state of news reporting, which continues its evolution — and increased challenges.

The closing general session, scheduled at 2:30-3:30 p., promises to imbue attendees with motivation and ideas as they prepare to return to their work environments.

Conference Co-chairs

Media Finance Focus 2022 is spearheaded by Co-Chairs Dave Bestler of Hubbard Radio and Lori Locke of Discovery Inc. Bestler is executive vice president and chief financial officer of Hubbard Radio, a position he has held since April 2011. Bestler is also vice chairman of MFM’s Board of Directors. Lori Locke is chief accounting officer of Discovery, joining the company in 2019. Locke also serves on the MFM Board as secretary.

Early Bird Pricing

MFM-BCCA members are eligible for early bird pricing, and will receive a savings of up to $300 by registering by Friday, April 15. Individuals who are not members of either organization may register as a non-member, and their registration fee will include a one-time-only, one-year trial membership to MFM/BCCA. While most participants opt for full conference registration, a daily a la carte option is available for people who cannot attend the full conference.